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Movement Ecology, Population Dynamics, and Conservation of Reef Manta Rays (Mobula alfredi) in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Understanding the population dynamics, movement patterns, and habitat use of animals is critical to evaluate the effectiveness of management measures. However, investigating wide-ranging and highly migratory marine species is challenging. The global populations of reef manta ray Mobula alfredi have
declined substantially primarily due to increased fishing pressures.
This thesis aimed to understand the population demographics, abundance, movement patterns, and
conservation of reef manta rays in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. In brief, manta ray sightings between 2009
and 2019 from two marine protected areas (MPAs) in Raja Ampat: Dampier Strait and South East
Misool were analysed using mark recapture modelling to investigate changes in demographic
parameters. Management measures implemented in the region were reviewed to assess their potential
impact on the manta ray populations. Drones were used to develop a novel method to measure the
body size of reef manta rays, and to examine their maturity stage and other biological characteristics.
declined substantially primarily due to increased fishing pressures.
This thesis aimed to understand the population demographics, abundance, movement patterns, and
conservation of reef manta rays in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. In brief, manta ray sightings between 2009
and 2019 from two marine protected areas (MPAs) in Raja Ampat: Dampier Strait and South East
Misool were analysed using mark recapture modelling to investigate changes in demographic
parameters. Management measures implemented in the region were reviewed to assess their potential
impact on the manta ray populations. Drones were used to develop a novel method to measure the
body size of reef manta rays, and to examine their maturity stage and other biological characteristics.
